Dramatic and entirely relevant to the world we live in today where 26 teenagers have been killed in London alone in 2008*: where this threat of violence is seen as second only to terrorism in the dangers facing society. Blackman highlights the influences of peer pressure and protection and the roles that money and material goods play in the decisions made by or forced upon young people.
Highly praised for her skills in weaving fast-paced and clever plotlines, Malorie has succeeded in opening the reader's eyes once again.
Everyone assumes the bomb that killed Callie Rose's grandmother was the work of a nought terrorist but Callie Rose knows the truth - and her fear of the past leaves her afraid for her future.
Her friend Tobey is worried about his own future. A nought boy at an exclusive school, Tobey hopes to keep out of trouble, go to university, get a good job and leave the dangerous streets of his childhood behind. But Tobey is discovering that he might not be allowed to remain neutral while the neighbourhood around him is carved up by rival gangs. Then he is offered the chance to earn some ready money just making a few ‘deliveries'. He doesn't want a part of that world, the world of gangs. But just think what he could do with the money. Think of the one girl he is desperate to impress...maybe he could get away with it, just this once . . .
The shocking and violent outcome to this decision has repercussions that ripple through the lives of Tobey and everyone that he cares about. Will this other world, of gangs, of drugs, of violent threats and weapons, consume his entire life?
Malorie Blackman's NOUGHTS & CROSSES was adapted for the stage for the winter season at the RSC by Dominic Cooke who also directed. Following a successful run in Stratford, the play has now toured major cities and towns in the UK.
Malorie Blackman's gross sales in the UK and Commonwealth territories now stand at well over 1.75 million copies and in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2008, Malorie received an OBE.
For further information, to receive a reading copy or to request an interview or comment please contact Lauren Bennett on 020 8231 6439 or email lbennett@randomhouse.co.uk
*Source: Big News Day
